Douglas A. Rector, 66, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025. A funeral mass will be held at 1 PM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends are welcome to gather from 11 AM until the time of the mass. Burial will follow the mass at Casper Creek Natural Cemetery, located in rural Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Doug was born on July 8, 1958, in Waukegan, IL, to Donald and Florence (Tennyson) Rector. He graduated from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, IL, and went on to attend Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Doug married Maria Charcut on June 30, 1984, at Holy Family Church in North Chicago, IL. He worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and retired 11 years ago. After retirement, he worked at the General Store at Eagle Ridge Resort. Doug was an avid runner during high school and participated in college cross country and track; he continued his passion for running by road racing after graduation. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, hiking, and collecting bourbon and golf balls. Doug volunteered at the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry and participated in various events within the Galena community. He is survived by his wife, Maria Rector; two daughters, Catherine (Steve) McCoy and Mary (Joel) Braden; a son, James Rector; a brother, Jeffrey (Lisa) Rector; and a close family friend, Lottie Sieka. Doug was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be made to the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in memory of Doug. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to family and friends for the endless physical and emotional support they have provided over the last two years. They are also forever grateful for the continuous prayers and well-wishes received during this time.
Douglas A. Rector
Doug was a wonderful friend, teammate and roommate through high school, college and beyond. While truly saddened by his passing, it is a comfort to know that he is in a better place and no longer suffering. Though I will be unable to attend his services my thoughts and prayers are with Maria and their three adult children.
Through my close friendship with Maria since 1986, I came to know Doug and their whole family too. I knew Doug as a person of integrity, kindness, generosity, intelligence, talent, and with a sense of humor mixed in for good measure. I always admired his devotion to Maria and their kids, and his willingness to help me buy my car, condo, and do my taxes through my years as a single mom. What a great loss for so many who loved him. What a gift he was to the world. RIP Doug. xo
Much love to you Maria, and Catherine, Mary, James and Lottie.
I got to know Doug and Maria through their work at the UCG Galena Food Pantry. Doug was always pleasant and upbeat. He was a kind and generous member of our volunteer group. It was a joy and privilege to know Doug. He is going to be greatly missed.
Maria,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We were so sorry to hear this news. Frannie is especially sad knowing the strong friendship between Doug and Brad- she is sending extra hugs for all of you. We love you.
Laura, Brendan, Aidan, and Frannie Hannigan
Maria,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We were so sorry to hear this news. Frannie is especially sad knowing the strong friendship between Doug and Brad- she is sending extra hugs for all of you. We love you.
Laura, Brendan, Aidan, and Frannie Hannigan
Jim and I are very saddened to hear of the passing of Doug. He was always pleasant and good person to know. He will be missed. Peace be with you, Maria.
Maria and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Doug and I were both attended Warren HS and were on the track team together, He was a devoted husband, father and friend, He was a kind and generous soul to all the people he met. and gave back to others. I will be attending on Monday,
Dear Maria and family,
Teddi and I were saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. We will keep you, Doug and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and I spent many hours together trying to figure out how to stabilize Immaculate Conception’s financial picture while working with the Parish Finance Committee when you were in Highland Park. He was always professional, very insightful and a first-class gentleman while engaged with the committee. He proposed a way of number presentation to make the financial picture more understandable for the parishioners. A first-class gentleman and an outstanding contributor to the parish.
I also remember having breakfast with you, Doug and the family at the McDonald’s on First Street in Highland Park on numerous occasions. I would be out running errands on Saturday morning and would often turn into the parking lot when I saw your car. Your children were always so well behaved and it was a pleasure to be part of breakfast with the Rector’s. I was also pleased that I had the opportunity to get some “good grease” away from my wife who thought I ate too many sausage patties and asked me to take it easy. I did take it easy, but I always reported that I had run into Doug and Maria and sat down with them for a cup of coffee. I did not fess up to the Egg McMuffin and two sausage patties.
Wonderful memories Maria and I thank you, Doug and the children for them.
Best,
Teddi and John SCHOLZ
Dear Maria and Family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Doug. He was so helpful when he was on the Finance Council of Immaculate Conception (presently called Christ our Hope). He was great about letting me know what would work and with his counsel, our parish flourished. Maria, you and I were in the choir together. Those were great times. My sister Ricky taught your children Religious Education. Have not seen all of you in many years, but thankful you had a good life in Galena. I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Sincerely, Linda Iovino
Maria an Family,
I know Robin and only met you a few times, however it was obvious from the first time we met that Doug, yourself and the rest of your clan were and are some of the most open and hospitable people we’ve ever known. When we came for the holidays a few years back you opened your home to us and we had wonderful Christmas. I know Doug enjoyed golf and I enjoyed playing with he and Cory. I don’t know why the Lord took him so soon. There was a lot of life left in him and everyone who knew him will miss him.
Lance and Robin
So sorry for your families loss.
Maria & Family,
So sorry for your loss. You barely know us, but we sit behind you in church and saw how devoted in prayer you were. May God Bless you and carry you through this🙏🏻🙏🏻
Maria & Family,
So sorry for your loss. You barely know us, but we sit behind you in church and saw how devoted in prayer you were. May God Bless you and carry you through this🙏🏻🙏🏻
Maria & family,
Please accept my deepest apology and condolences for the loss of Doug and the difficulties associated with his illness.
During the years I attended Warren H.S. there was no one that I spent more time with than Doug. He was an intelligent student and superb athlete; it is no accident that he would select a teacher as his partner in life.
May God bless your family and find comfort with fond memories of Doug in the coming days.
Maria, we will never forget our trip to Italy in 2019. That was when Ron and I got to really know you and Doug. That was the best trip ever. Doug was so much fun and he truly enjoyed the cuisine of Italy. We send our love and hope to you, Catherine, Mary and James and Lottie. Doug, may the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine shine warm upon your your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Love and Peace,
Ron and Peggy Babcock
Maria and family: I enjoyed working with Doug at Eagle Ridge and getting to know you also. He will be missed but he is in a better place with no more suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏